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California's famous vineyards and wineries draw roughly 3 million visitors per year to the Napa Valley, but less than 10 percent head off the beaten path to explore back roads and trails suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. The scenic trails are just a few miles from some of the valley's most frequented attractions at Knoxville Recreation Area northeast of the valley, which is the only place to go off-roading in Napa County.

Getting There

Head out to Lake Berryessa on the east side of Napa Valley and follow Lake Berryessa Road along the west side of the lake. The Devilhead Road entrance to Knoxville Recreation Area lies 17 miles down the road, and the Dunnigan Hill Road entrance is 3 miles farther. Lake Berryessa Road crosses four or five creeks along the way that may be flooded after heavy rain. When southern creeks are too high to safely cross, enter from the north by heading to Lower Lake on the far northern end of Napa Valley. From there, take Morgan Valley Road south 13 miles to the Dunnigan Hill Road entrance.

Getting Ready to Ride the Trails

The trails run across public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There is no admission fee or special permit required, but all vehicles using the trails must have either a street-legal license plate or a California off-highway vehicle registration sticker. UTVs, ATVs and SUVs share the trails, which have no width restrictions. If riding in the northern part of the recreation area, take Dunnigan Hill Road 0.75 miles to Round Mountain Road and find a staging area about 0.25 mile down the road with a vault toilet and ample parking.

Out on the Trail

Steep hills covered with dense chaparral, hardwood forests and grassy meadows characterize the recreation area. The rugged trails are best suited for intermediate through advanced riders, but there are a few areas where amateur riders can practice skills. Only street-legal vehicles can legally drive on Devilhead Road, which runs along the southern end of the recreation area. Trek across 100 miles of unmaintained trail open to off-road vehicles, with surfaces ranging from hard-packed to loose dirt and rock.

Riding the Trails for Days

Want to ride the trails for days without the long trip from Napa Valley, camp out at one of four campgrounds within the recreation area. Lower Hunting Creek Campground is the only one with developed facilities, which include a vault toilet, shade structures, trash receptacles and overflow camping. There is direct access to the creek, and a trail alongside the creek leads to a swimming hole 0.25 mile upstream and a waterfall 0.5 mile from camp. The campground lies near the south entrance at the intersection of Dunnigan Hill and Hunting Creek roads. Three more campsites in the recreation area have no facilities or amenities but provide a clear area where you can pitch a tent along the trail.